Former Pitt Star Breaks Down Massive New NBA Contract

Last week, former Pitt forward Justin Champagnie signed a new contract with the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

Champagnie’s contract is for four years and $10 million.

“I’ve always had aspirations and dreams of being in the NBA,” Champagnie said. “I fully believed that I could do it, and I think that the turning point for me was when I got to Sioux Falls, when I got waived from Toronto. I had a really good coach and good team out there and they instilled a couple things in me that kind of stuck with me, just toughness, the grit, and always to believe in myself. Once I got to D.C., it was just like, kind of, the same thing. They revamped it and told me, ‘We believe in what you can do, and we think you’re an NBA player.’ So,  the confidence just went up and [I] just kept putting the work in.”

Champagnie has played a career-high 42 games this year for the Wizards, earning 15 starts. He is averaging 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

“It’s good to be around people that believe in me and let me be myself. I’m super grateful, super happy, and I love it here.”

Champagnie is shooting 50% from the field this year for the Wizards. He and his brother, Julian, are both having success in the NBA, and Justin said this week that this new deal means a lot for his family.

“It means a lot,” Champagnie added. “Some people may look at it and be like ‘Oh, that’s not a crazy amount,’ but to me, it is. Me and my peoples, we don’t come from much, so being able to get this contract means a lot for my family as well. I want to do some things for them because without them, I wouldn’t be here, and they played a big part in who I am today and getting me here. Shoutout to my family, for sure.”